Bächli: Hiking Trails, Cultural Heritage and Seasonal Experiences

The Chnobelweg Bächli leads across meadows, past farmhouses and through the forest. It is suitable for an outing with family or friends. One section of the trail is also accessible in winter; snow and trail conditions may affect access. If you are planning a winter hike, check the conditions locally.

Hiking Trails with Different Highlights

A moderately difficult hike starts in the village of Bächli and heads towards Harzenmoos. Its route passes through Ettenberg, Chräloch–Chapf, Oberchapf, Chapf and Santmaregg. You can then either return to Bächli or continue hiking towards Urnäsch.

Other hikes lead from Bächli through the Neckertal to Hochalp in Urnäsch and along a ridge with panoramic views, or from Bächli to Hochhamm. These destinations set these trails apart from the moderately difficult route towards Harzenmoos, whose route and onward options are described in detail.

The Necki Trails focus on a story: six routes take you through the tale of five mythical creatures that call the Neckertal home. The Necki Trails are family-friendly hiking trails with barbecue areas. This gives them a different focus from the Chnobelweg, with its meadows, farmhouses and forest sections.

Cultural Heritage, Tradition and Dining

The Red House in Bächli is listed in the cultural heritage protection inventory of the Canton of St. Gallen (as of 1 January 2026). Silvesterchlausen is also practised in Bächli and the surrounding area. If you would like to experience this tradition, ask locally about dates and whether participation is possible.

The Rössli restaurant in the village of Bächli (Hemberg) serves menus made mostly with seasonal produce, preferably sourced from the region. The menu and sourcing may change; check the latest information directly with the restaurant if you are planning a visit.

The Frohwies inn and guesthouse are housed in a building more than 500 years old, on a sunny hilltop between Bächli and St. Peterzell. This accommodation combines a historic building with a location between the two villages.

Winter Activities in the Region

The area around Hemberg has easy trails for hiking and biking, as well as winter hiking trails and snowshoe tours. In winter, trail and tour conditions depend on snow and trail conditions. Hemberg ski lift has a platter lift suitable for families and beginners. A magic carpet can be used for skiing, snowboarding and sledging; the lift operates seasonally, depending on snow conditions and the operating calendar.

A tourism brochure from 2025 mentions guided snowshoe tours with outdoor fondue in Bächli. As this is a seasonal offer, check dates and current availability in advance. The winter information therefore differs: one section of the Chnobelweg is described as accessible in winter, while trails and tours in the area around Hemberg depend on conditions, and the ski lift operates seasonally.

Getting to Bächli

From St. Gallen and Wil, you can reach Bächli by taking an SBB train via Wattwil, then a PostBus to Hemberg and, after changing, another PostBus to Bächli. Before setting off, check the current SBB and PostBus connections so you can plan your transfers accordingly.

For the broader travel overview: Sankt Peterzell.